Putting British wine on the global map
British wine has entered a golden age. Over the past five years, Britain’s vineyard space has expanded by 75%, with more than 1,000 vineyards now thriving across the country. Thanks to a combination of rich, chalky soils, a warmer climate, and innovative winemaking techniques, England’s sparkling wines are earning international recognition. Our wines scooped more medals than ever before at the International Wine Challenge 2024, won prizes at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024 and Sommelier Wine Awards 2024, and are attracting investment from top Champagne houses. In 2022, Sussex wines were granted geographic protection status, further cementing the region’s reputation for producing exceptional wines.
Still wines are also gaining traction, with improved techniques and longer growing seasons creating more refined vintages. With new vineyards popping up across the country every year and English wine growing in global prestige, here is where to explore this dynamic scene.
Top wine experiences in Britain
The heart of English wine: Sussex and Kent
Set amid the rolling Kent countryside, Domaine Evremond is a highly anticipated addition to England’s wine scene. Backed by Taittinger, this innovative vineyard is a testament to Britain’s growing reputation for world-class sparkling wine. Visitors can enjoy immersive guided tours through the vines, sample their acclaimed sparkling wines, and gain insight into the estate’s commitment to sustainability. Beyond the wine, the setting itself is a major draw, offering fantastic vineyard views, a stylish tasting room, and expertly crafted food pairings featuring local Kentish produce.
For those eager to explore further, English Wine Tasting Tours provide curated trips through the vineyards of Kent and Sussex. Departing from London, these guided experiences range from full-day excursions with behind-the-scenes access, to boutique tailor-made tours. Highlights include the Wine and Cheese Tour, which visits three vineyards with premium tastings and a lunch, and the Cellar Door Wine Tour, which offers an in-depth look at small and large producers alike. Each itinerary is designed to showcase why English wine is gaining prominence on the global stage.
Nestled in the picturesque South Downs, Ridgeview Wine Estate offers a range of experiences for wine lovers. Their Cellar and Winery Tour with Cheese and Wine Pairing provides exclusive access to their underground cellar, followed by a tasting of award-winning sparkling wines paired with artisan cheeses. Those seeking a shorter visit can opt for A Taste of Ridgeview, a relaxed 30-minute tasting overlooking the Chardonnay vines.
For a truly immersive wine-country retreat, Sussex offers a selection of glamping stays near some of England’s best vineyards. De Etchyngham, a stylish geodome on the Glottenham Castle estate, provides a luxurious escape amid wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands. Just a short drive away, Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard, England’s oldest organic vineyard, invites guests for tastings and visits to its charming Cellar Door Bar. Meanwhile, Dumbledore, a handcrafted treehouse nestled in Wilderness Wood, offers an idyllic stay near the 18-acre Beacon Down Vineyard, where visitors can enjoy tastings and a picnic accompanied by panoramic views over Eastbourne and the South Downs.
Beyond Sussex
For wine enthusiasts venturing beyond the southeast of England, Lympstone Manor in Devon is another top destination. This luxury hotel, founded by Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines, is home to a vineyard producing English sparkling wine alongside Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay. From May to September, guests can embark on guided tours through the vineyard, overlooking the River Exe, followed by a tasting experience. The visit culminates in a Michelin-starred lunch at the hotel restaurant.
In the heart of Somerset, GOOD Food & Drink Tours offer a deep dive into Bristol’s vibrant culinary scene. These expertly curated walking tours introduce visitors to independent winemakers, artisans, and chefs, celebrating the city’s dynamic food culture. Highlights include the Wine and Cheese in the Cheddar Valley Tour, which pairs English wines with artisanal cheeses and features lunch at the Pony Chew Valley, a farm-to-table restaurant with sweeping countryside views, a kitchen garden and its own cookery school.
For a unique tasting experience, White Heron Estate in Herefordshire provides an intimate look at the home of the award-winning British Cassis. This family-run estate invites visitors to explore its orchards and vineyards while learning about the craft behind its premium blackcurrant liqueur and limited-edition wines. The tour delves into the estate’s history, sustainable farming methods, and production process, culminating in a tasting session of British Cassis alongside estate-made wines and spirits. From April 2025, e-bike tours of the 700-acre estate will also be available.
For those looking to explore the north of England, Ryedale Vineyards in North Yorkshire offers an introduction to the region’s burgeoning wine scene. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Ryedale Valley, near York and Castle Howard, it is one of the most northerly commercial vineyards in the United Kingdom. The family-run business produces a range of award-winning wines, from crisp dry whites to rich reds. The region’s unique climate, with its limestone-rich soil provides suitable conditions to grow grapes like Pinot Noir and Bacchus. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the estate and informal tasting sessions. Nearby, the Yorkshire Heart Vineyard in Nun Monkton, between York and Harrogate, specialises in making wines from grapes like Ortega and Rondo. Alongside its still and sparkling wines, the estate also produces craft ales in its own brewery and has a cafe serving locally sourced food.
Scotland and Wales: Rising stars in wine production
While England leads the way in viticulture, Scotland and Wales are carving out their own place in Britain’s wine scene. In Scotland, Cairn o’Mohr Winery in Perthshire offers a glimpse into the world of fruit wines on their Winery Tour, concluding with a tutored tasting of their creations. For those seeking a more in-depth experience, the Thistle Day Tour provides a private exploration, including production demonstrations and a curated tasting.
Wales, meanwhile, is gaining recognition for its high-quality still and sparkling wines, with an increasing number of vineyards to tour. Among the standout destinations is Llanerch Vineyard in south Wales, which offers guided tours, tastings, and an on-site hotel for those wanting to extend their stay. White Castle Vineyard in Monmouthshire provides a boutique experience, where guests can explore the vines and sample handcrafted wines that have gained international acclaim. In north Wales, Gwinllan Conwy offers intimate small-group tours with spectacular views of Snowdonia (Eryri) for those looking to experience Welsh wine in a breathtaking setting.
Sources:
UK wine - what’s the latest on the vineyard market?
The UK now boasts more than 1,000 vineyards - Decanter
How City high-flyers have helped to fuel UK wine-growing boom | Wine | The Guardian
